Few states in this country can boast of more diverse folkways than Virginia. Many of the material objects-such as barns, tools, and furniture-reflect the traditions that shaped the lives of it's earliest settlers and the generations of Virginians who followed. The Commonwealth's performance traditions of songs, tunes, and tales also tell of a shared heritage involving all classes of people in every facet of life. Because traditions naturally change over time, the documentation of Virginia folk culture is an ongoing process essential to our understanding of the past, present, and future.
